Justice Department's Long-Standing Policy: Why Epstein Files Remain Under Wraps

The Justice Department has maintained a long-standing policy against releasing information collected on a criminal suspect outside of a criminal judicial proceeding, citing concerns that such disclosure could endanger victims or other witnesses. This policy has been in place for decades, with the primary goal of protecting the rights and safety of those involved in the investigation. According to Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox, the Justice Department's stance on releasing information is rooted in the need to preserve due process for individuals who may be innocent and who will never receive a trial. Millhiser notes that the department's records often feature the names of individuals who are not charged with a crime, and releasing this information could deny them their right to a fair trial. The policy has been reinforced by the courts, which have consistently held that the government's interest in protecting the integrity of its investigations outweighs the public's right to know. In a 2019 ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the government's decision to withhold documents related to a high-profile investigation, citing the need to protect sensitive information and prevent harm to witnesses. The Justice Department's policy on releasing information has been applied in various high-profile cases, including the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a financier who was accused of sex trafficking and other crimes. While some have called for the release of documents related to the Epstein case, the department has maintained that such disclosure would compromise the integrity of the investigation and put witnesses at risk. In a statement, a Justice Department spokesperson emphasized the importance of protecting sensitive information and preserving the rights of those involved in the investigation. "The department's policy on releasing information is designed to balance the public's right to know with the need to protect the rights and safety of those involved in the investigation," the spokesperson said. The debate over releasing information related to the Epstein case has sparked a broader discussion about the role of transparency in the justice system. Some argue that the public has a right to know about the government's actions and the evidence it has collected, while others contend that such disclosure could compromise the integrity of the investigation and put witnesses at risk. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Justice Department will balance its commitment to transparency with its duty to protect sensitive information and preserve the rights of those involved in the investigation.